Public participation in urban noise prevention

Abstract

The so-called 'soft factors' are playing an increasing role in urban planning. Alternative strategies based on these can include bottom-up initiatives in which citizens intend to find solutions to noise-related problems in their settlement through their participation and in accordance with their requirements. This paper intends to give a brief introduction to the role of individuals regarding their participation in such programmes, based on the literature available and the results of a questionnaire survey carried out in the Town of Debrecen (East Hungary). The results of the survey indicated that the overall picture of the residents' opinions on noise pollution is rather contradictory: they basically seem to perceive the impacts and the relevance of this issue, however, in general, the respondents did not recognise their own roles in resolving the problem itselfneither as 'polluters' nor as 'endurers'.

Public participation in urban noise prevention: the case of a hungarian town

“…The results of the survey indicated that more than 70% of the respondents expected such noise-related disturbances to be solved by the municipality [4] (Fig. 5).…”

“…the municipality, civil organisations and the individuals) in sharing responsibilities for noise pollution abatement and a discussion of the results of a questionnaire survey of the opinions of residents on noise nuisance, which was conducted in the Town of Debrecen (East Hungary) [10]. in solving environmental problems [4]. *Dimensions of sustainable urban development according to the World Bank [13]; **Main development measures to be taken in order to achieve 'liveability', according to the World Bank [13]; ***Social dimensions of sustainable development according to Butters [14]; ****Steps of public participation in the management of noise nuisance related problems (modifi ed after Bonacker [15]).…”

“…The minimal role of civil organisations is indicated by the fact that they were marked as potential initiators (in the category 'Other') by only approximately 2% of the respondents [4] (Fig. 5).…”

“…Having the above summarised, the overall view of the acoustic comfort or noise conditions can contribute, in a broader sense, on the characteristics of the noise conditions can contribute to the district's image, its attractiveness and the property prices and infl uences perceptions of liveability [4]. This last is one of the four main development objectives of the World Bank's new urban strategy, developed at the turn of the millennia [13], whose strategic central objective is support of sustainable urban development.…”

“…Environmental noise is recognised as an indicator of the quality of the environment [3] and integrated urban development strategies place great emphasis on the management of noise-induced environmental problems. Successfully combating noise pollution thus represents a major step towards the establishment of an urban environment that provides an adequate quality of life [4].…”